Classes

The primary resources for learning to square dance are the classes offered by area clubs.
Typically, a club will start a new class once per year.

Most classes start in the fall, but some start in January, and there may be others at other times.
Most clubs begin their class seasons with one or more introductory nights when new students can
join. In many cases these nights are free, and you are welcome to come just to find out what
square dancing is about, with no obligation.

Generally, new dancers must start a class at the beginning. However, if you have square
danced previously (e.g., if you are returning to square dancing after a number of years), you will in many cases be able to join a class in the middle of the season. Check with the specific club for
more information.

Newer-Dancer Hoedowns

In addition to dancing at their own club (in most cases one night per week), most square
dancers enjoy larger events called hoedowns. At these events (and other special
dances, including multi-day festivals and conventions), dancers have an
opportunity to meet people from other clubs and to dance to callers with varying styles.

To give beginners a chance to dance with other beginners from around the area, various clubs
sponsor newer-dancer hoedowns. These dances are designed for people
who are currently taking a class. The ones early in the season will use only calls taught
early in the class, ones later in the season will use more calls.

Programs (Levels)

Basic

Mainstream

Plus

Advanced(A1-A2)

Challenge(C1-C4)

Square dance calls are grouped into programs (sometimes called levels) to allow
dancers to know what calls to expect at a dance -- and to allow the caller to know what calls
the dancers will be able to do! The advertisement for a hoedown will normally indicate what
program will be called.

Most classes for beginners will teach either the Mainstream
program or the Plus program. Each higher level program includes all the previous ones.
So, for example, if you are taking a class for beginners that teaches the Plus program, you
will also be learning how to dance all of the calls of the Basic and Mainstream programs, and you
will be able to dance at events advertised as Basic or Mainstream as well as those advertised as
Plus.

Online Call Lists and Definitions

The official definitions of square dance calls are maintained by Callerlab, the
international association of square dance callers. Reading the definitions is not a substitute
for learning by actually doing the calls, but they can be very helpful if you want to review what
you have learned or if you have a question about the precise meaning of a call.

Also available are simple lists of the calls. You may find it helpful to print these
out to use as a checklist, or as a place to take notes on questions that you may want to ask the
caller or experienced dancers. (If you are taking a Plus class, you will want to print out
both the Mainstream list and the Plus list.)

Note that these presentations may include abbreviated/incomplete definitions which apply only to the specific cases being illustrated. For the actual definition, consult one of the references mentioned above.